Chapter Three
In the middle of 1940 the Home Army in Britain was bracing itself in preparation for a dispersed and defensive role fighting in the villages and streets of the South Coast in a potentially outnumbered and outgunned effort to repel German Invasion troops. As the German amphibious assault on the UK mainland faded following the Luftwaffe’s defeat in the Battle of Britain, as Hitler’s focus on Russia crystalized, collective pressures remained on the army structure at home. Britain’s tanks during this period had proven totally inadequate – the A13 Cruisers, Matilda Mk I’s and Mark VIB Light Cavalry Tanks were outgunned, out dated and mechanically obsolete. 7th Armoured Division of Wavell’s Desert Army reported in September of 1940 that is was rare that even 200 of their 306 tanks could be operational at any one time due to breakdown from excessive desert mileage and lack of spares. A short respite had been granted with Hitler’s focus elsewhere. It was only with the Matilda MkII with its 80mm armour, impervious to any Italian Gun in the desert that British armoured forces began to equip themselves with the right kit. Supremacy lasted until the Afrika Korps began employing their 88mm Flak Cannon in an anti-tank role. From 1941 onwards the Home Army in the UK faced two major objectives which were to equip and train the forces that would defeat the Axis Powers and bring the war to a victorious close. However, for British armoured forces training in the UK toward this end there seemed to be continuous and significant pressures imposed upon them. The Lend-Lease Act of 11 March, 1941 created the opportunity to re-equip on a large scale. By late 1942 the Sherman tank was proving itself at the hands of the men of the Eighth Army producing the ‘turning tide’ victory at El Alamein, however there was still huge argument about the application of the new tank. At home the first Shermans did not begin to appear through Lease Lend in any numbers until the summer of 1943 when all home-based armoured divisions were re-equipped with them. After the new tanks, came waiting for spare parts to keep them running, and further debate as to how best use the new tank on the battlefield. Not until mid 1943 did changes in armoured tactics filter down to training sessions, and these were directly attributable to analysis of desert campaign performance. Texts and training were concentrating on the use of armour alongside infantry whereas previously in the desert the armour had been seen as a self sufficient battlefield weapon. The War Office’s publications of the time paid no attention to the arrival of this new tank in the education of troops nor did they explain the significant tactical improvements for the troops who had only trained on Churchills or Matildas.
Shortages of all items across the country due to industrial action, supply line stoppages, black market activity, rising costs coupled with cautious suspicion about wear and tear on irreplaceable and valuable vehicles plagued the preparation of Britain’s armoured forces. Some units were unable to run their tanks for months at a time due to fear of mechanical damage, and stringent track wear regulations were subsequently set by the War Office. They enforced limits on mileage travelled to and from exercises. More importantly, heavy restrictions were placed on the amount of ammunition that could be drawn for exercise in an attempt to slow gun-barrel wear. Limited live round firing was permitted, few live rounds were issued to new crews and consequently their experience of accurate and rapid live firing suffered. Even the land to train armoured forces was virtually non-existent in 1941 and only by mid-war when Shermans were arriving in bulk, had they begun to become established. By this time however, holding camps and training areas were also in demand for the armies who had arrived in Britain to join the war effort. Huge formations of American, Canadian and Polish Divisions also required space for equipment, and to aid training.
Other problems with training can be viewed as simply unavoidable and were agreed and accepted at the time. Even at the most sophisticated battle school of the time, the real experience of armoured combat could never be replicated exactly. There was no substitute for genuine combat experience – one can note the increasing camouflage and addition of track sections, logs, road wheels, and cement to protect and disguise the hull utilised by Sherman crews as the campaigns progress in later chapters but how could this possibly have been prepared for on Salisbury Plain. Lessons though were being learnt and passed on from crew to crew.
In these early photographs however, the tanks arriving from the United States are still a novelty, seen here introduced to royalty and the press. Initial shots even show how unprepared the army was to collect the new tanks from the dockside! Private hauliers were contracted to collect the 40 ton leviathons in 1942 until later purpose built railroad cars were manufactured. Much of these early training photos show the men familiarizing themselves with the new tank, and this is exactly how it happened. With no real guidance in text other than technical repair alluded to in the maintenance manuals, and little change to command doctrine passed down by senior officers it was left to the divisions themselves to train their crews in tactics for the new tank by each individual unit preference.
Sherman tanks in British service looked much as they did in American service externally and other than viewing the internal fittings it can be quite a task pinpointing identifications. The exception to the rule was the Sherman Firefly types that Britain installed its 17-pounder high velocity cannon into. The elongated barrel and distinctive egg shaped muzzle brake often provide easy recognition of this type.
British Army nomenclature for the Sherman range also differed from the American terminology as the tables in the final chapter of this book demonstrate. The M4 to M4A4 variants were renamed by the British as the Sherman I to V. The late production Sherman Hybrid I in British terminology referred to the late production M4 which used a cast upper hull front and welded rear – hence ‘Hybrid.’ Weaponry was also categorized by letter suffixes A, B, and C which were used to represent 76mm gun, 105mm howitzer and the 17-pounder respectively. The letter Y was also applied in this system, denoting a late war model with HVSS (Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension). Therefore British designation for a Sherman M4A2 model with 76mm gun and HVSS would be classed as a SHERMAN IIIAY.
British Shermans can also often be identified in this book by considering the additional stowage applied in the UK. Often a large bin has been attached to the rear of the turret, and a long bin is attached to the hull plate. In photos just after the Normandy invasion this particular bin is often relocated to the front hull to create the space required by the wading funnel apparatus attached to the rear of the tanks which were waterproofed by D-Day. Other modifications were made individually or personally by crews. Track sections become increasingly apparent welded to the hulls of tanks as the campaign in Europe progressed. Some British tanks in Belgium clearly sport large sections of Churchill tank track section which must have been just about the heaviest item they could lay hands on to protect against anti-tank hollow charge rounds.
Radio aerials provide further clues to British service as American forces used entirely different radio equipment to our own. British tanks were fitted with the famous No.19 Set mounted inside the rear of the turret bustle. The 19 Set operated in two definitive modes requiring separate aerials which protruded from the turret. The A aerial was installed through the standard aerial socket and appears in photographs as a black rubber flexible cone, with aerial sections secured inside by wing-nut. The B aerial was secured through a small square socket to right of the bustle roof at the back of the turret. The twin set 19 radio equipment could provide short wave comms between tanks on the move with voice range of 1 to 5 miles, and the more powerful A set pushed voice communication further to a distance of 10 to 15 miles. British tank commanders in North Africa were also fond of flying pennants from both aerials and not just for decoration. Inter-war training had hammered home the necessity of sending semiphore, signalling by flag, and indeed the pennant sent message was a leftover from the Infantry Tanks of the Great War. Lessons were soon learnt however that a tank flying colourful pennants must be of command significance and would become a primary enemy target.
The turrets of British tanks also sometimes had a single 2 inch smoke bomb thrower fitted, or brackets welded to the side of the turret to fit twin 4 inch dischargers. Many were fitted with a thoughtful if easily damaged rear view driver’s mirror – an example of this has been photographed in the Normandy chapter. Two Methyl Bromide fire extinguishers were added to either side of the rear decking, and a small first aid kit also in a tin was welded onto the rear hull plate. Finally I refer again to those personal touches – a unique addition to the turret of the Shermans in service with the Coldstream Guards in Holland (captured in photos featured in this book) are the fitting of Typhoon Rockets and their firing rails, directly taken off the aircraft, and applied to the tank beefing up its weaponry considerably. Practical consideration however does beg the question of effectiveness and of indeed aiming the rockets.
This is how the Sherman tank and a few of its predecessors looked in British Service on duty with the Home Army while the training for later campaigns in NW Europe was about to begin.
Early Lease-Lend arrivals in June of 1942 are paraded for the press. Front view of new M3 Lee tank, exhibiting riveted hull construction and British Army modifications on this model. Stowage box under main gun, and early mud chutes are fitted between road wheel supporting bogies to deflect the build up of mud falling off the tracks. The bracket for British smoke dischargers has been fitted to the side of the turret and armoured plugs have been welded to the apertures of the obsolete fixed twin .30 bow machine gun ports. High cupola on turret distinguishes this Lee from the Grant Tank in British service. Specially designed rail cars have already been placed in use to transport armour around the country, but limitations of elevation and traverse of the main 75mm gun are instantly apparent when mounted in the sponson on the side of the tank. IWM H 20919
The same Lee tank rolls off a railcar for the press demonstration. Note additional auxiliary fuel drum tank mounted to the rear right of hull and rear view pistol port providing an aiming aperture for small arms fire over the rear deck. Smoke discharger bracket is again seen on left of turret, and the British have added another padlocked stowage box to the rear of the turret. Sherman heritage is exhibited by exhaust pipe layout and the access doors to the engine compartment, also bogies, road wheels and tracks. American and British troops explain the details to reporters. IWM H 20920
28 June, 1942. Lend lease Grant I’s craned ashore with all apertures sealed for the Atlantic crossing. These were probably from the first batches of Grant tanks produced in the US by Pullman Standard or The Pressed Steel Car Company under direct British Contract. The high commander’s turret cupola of the M3 Lee tank has been redesigned into a lower silhouette split hatch for the commander of the Grant turret by British Tank Mission request. Both will be towed away to be adapted and made serviceable before issue to British armoured forces at a Central Tank Park. Neither are fitted with headlights, tools, radios or have aerial mountings yet. Nor are the additional stowage boxes added under the main gun, or on the lid of the rear stowage box on the left of the engine deck. They exhibit the factory fitted sand shields however which were adopted on some Sherman models. British T census numbers have been sprayed on the hull at the factory as these AFV’s were manufactured under British Government contract. IWM H21033
Civilian contractors tow away the newly arrived Grant I’s on commercial trailers. Tyres manufactured from solid rubber had to be used in order to shoulder the weight of the tanks. New tanks meant redesigning new logistical support networks to transport and service them. The detail of the waterproofing compounds applied to all apertures is clearly visible, ensuring safe transit across the Atlantic where much of the armour was lashed down on open deck as well as stored within the holds of ships. The effects of the ocean’s corrosive salty atmosphere was kept at bay by these measures. IWM H21062
Although not a focus for this book, here is a late production Canadian Ram II Tank fitted with 6-pdr being towed behind a Ram II ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle.) Again a press demonstration for American, Canadian and British journalists they film the ARV hooking onto the Ram Tank using a draw bar. Traditional wooden leverage spikes are also fitted to the side of the ARV. Sherman heritage is also clearly visible in bogie design, spoked road wheels, hull shape and other vision slot features. Although not used in action in a turret tank role, some of these Rams were adapted as Personnel Carriers and used in the recovery format. Photograph taken in the UK, March 1943. Of note on the ARV is the door hatch on the side of the hull, later deleted on Ram II hulls. IWM H 29336
The rear view of the Canadian Ram II ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle) revealing winches, jumbo storage boxes and the Hollibone designed draw bars. Interestingly rope is being utilised as well as steel hauser cable in these early recovery demonstrations. This view clearly demonstrates the Sherman’s design references again though the RAM tanks used a wider track. Note the anchor attachments on track sections to grip when the tank was winching disabled vehicles in muddy conditions. IWM H29350
Lease Armour Begins Arriving in the UK…
Crated Sherman tank arrives in Liverpool Docks during December, 1942 under the Lease-Lend scheme. Crated up in the hold of a giant Liberty Ship, several methods of packaging the completed tanks were utilised including open storage on deck. The crates contained tracks and all external fittings for the tank and were nailed together in sections around the tank once it had been driven onto the base. Finally the edges of each section were sealed with black pitch visible in the photo, to guard against the weather. IWM H26261
Other packaging methods are shown as more tanks arrive in Liverpool during 1942. For those tanks which would be stored in the open on deck, all apertures were sealed with a gripon or asbestos paste against Atlantic weather viewed around hatches, commander’s turret ring and air vents. Headlights have remained fitted as is the siren for travelling. This is an early Sherman M4 model and is prepared for craning onto the harbour-side as the foreman stevedore checks the security of the spares crate on the rear deck of the tank.. A good view of the early M34 gun mount and shield, with pronounced lifting rings, three part front transmission cover and the ‘comb’ attachment under the hull machine gun mount is of note. This comb feature is examined in depth in the next photograph. IWM H 26255
White asbestos paste seals all apertures on this Sherman M4 which arrived in Liverpool. Of special note here is the evidence which now informs on the use of the ‘comb’ feature, a small bracket welded on the front left section of the transmission cover. The ‘comb’ has long been a source of mystery to the Sherman enthusiast, and its purpose lost to history. Here we can clearly see that the bracket, which had four of five groves cut into it, was used as an adjustable anchor point to a securing cable and plug which fitted into the hull mg mount position. This stopped the ball mount rolling with the pitch of the waves at sea, or when being craned on and off ship, thus avoiding breaking the asbestos sealant, and allowing sea air or water into the hull during its journey across the Atlantic. Headlights remain fitted without blackout covers, and siren is wired onto the driver’s side front wing. IWM H 26256
Once ashore, and checked over in the Central Tank Parks, the Shermans were issued to the troops who set to work devising new working practices in keeping the tank operational in the field. An early M4 Sherman is used in recovery training as a Grant ARV reverses back to connect with a Hollibone drawbar in use. Note early T48 rubber block tracks with rubber chevron cuff, 75mm barrel packed full of grease, and no hull mg fitted. Front vision slots can be seen at the front of the driver’s and co driver’s hatches as well as periscope mounting on the inside of the hatch lids. These vision slots were later deleted in favour of periscope view only. A Challenger/ Cromwell hybrid ARV charges by sporting a mini turret similar to Canal Defence adapted models. IWM H 27580
The young trooper in control of the recovery exercise guides the driver of the Grant ARV back to engage the drawbar, speaking to the driver via external connection to the ARV crew intercom. Shermans seen in the Far East chapter utilise the later Interphone Box, BC-1362 with Cordage CO213 on the rear hull plate of each tank so that infantry shielding behind could talk direct to the crew inside the tank via telephone handset and direct fire support themselves. Note the white paint on the Grant’s track. This indicated quick recognition for tank and repair crews of the position the tank should be for easier manual removal of the tracks. IWM H 27577
The draw bar is secured through the Sherman’s towing eyes, welded to the front transmission plate. Many later Shermans are seen fitted in the field with a number of large U shackles to facilitate a range of easy towing options. Hauser towing cables were also adopted and stored connected on the hull ready for a quick tow if required. T48 Rubber track blocks are already showing some wear and a good view of the two part Sherman headlight should be noted. The standard US Army sidelight was mounted above the headlight with blackout slot cover, through the casing. Both units were removable when the tank was going into a frontline situation, and were released by pulling a fixing pin from inside the hull. They would then either be stored in the holder attached to the headlight guard, secured by the chain seen hanging next to the light, or were brought inside the tank. IWM H27578
‘Michael’ the second production M4A1 tank manufactured at the Lima Locomotive Works in Ohio and the first Sherman M4A1 to arrive in the UK for active service. The name of the tank was derived from Sir Michael Dewar’s christian name after he lead the British Tank Mission to the US in order to secure Grant contracts from American manufacturers on behalf of the British Government. Of note are the early or first type bogies with return rollers fitted in the top centre, spoked road wheels, the removal of the twin fixed bow machine guns and the fitting of new M3 75mm main gun. The pistol port in the turret is clearly visible and Michael is fitted with early T51 tracks using large rectangular flat rubber track blocks. ‘Michael’ survived the war and sixty years on is now exhibited at The Tank Museum, Bovington, UK in superb condition. IWM KID 1234
The Queen and daughter Princess Elizabeth view a Sherman of 11th Armoured Division. Note the camouflage scheme applied to front hull. This photograph provides a good view of casting numbers on the transmission cover. These provided part number and manufacturer information, often giving clues to Foundry locations. It had either recently rained, or a gloss finish has been applied for the Royal inspection. Alongside the bull motif of 11th Armoured Division is a painted circle indicating this tank belonged to C Squadron. Symbols to denote armoured squadron identification included a white diamond to indicate HQ Squadron, a red triangle to A Squadron, a yellow square notifying B Squadron and solid white block for D Squadron. Colour coding was not rigid and individual units adapted these basic instructions in a variety of ways, applying them in locations from turret to front wing. Additional track types become more apparent in photographs as the war progresses. Tracks fitted to this Sherman are of the T54 E2 type, which were of all steel construction, utilising a curved edge cuff. IWM H 36974
M4A2 Shermans on exercise delivered by flat rail cars on the LNER Line from Newmarket to Cambridge. The crews would be transported in passenger carriages attached to the last of the flat cars. All exhibit squadron markings of C squadron, and now have blackout covers fitted over main headlights although divisional signs are obscured by dust. The lead tank has the British developed cast steel T51 Track fitted which differs to the others that are fitted with sandshields. It is possible this tank was fitted specially with these tracks to compare durability with the other tanks in the squadron. The welded manufacture of the M4A2 driver’s hood seen in this photograph on the front tank can be contrasted with cast types on other models. Steel hauser towing cables are now secured on every hull. IWM H 37573
In March, 1943 a large tank demonstration was conducted at Lulworth Camp for a VIP audience. An early British M4A2 Sherman accepted for service sports red and white tricolour ‘Armoured Force’ identification, and T Census numbers painted along the hull and across the single rounded nose transmission cover. Steel towing cable and U shackles are now also fitted to the towing eyes in the transmission cover. Early vision slots are still visible, along with the blade or vane sight mounted on the front of the turret top in front of the commander’s hatch. This could provide an immediate orientation guide for the commander as he emerged from the turret to observe direction. IWM H 28344
By April 1944, Tank Storage Parks were working at full capacity in preparation for invasion. This one, No. 8 AFV Depot, located in Leicester repairs M4 and M4A2 models. Appliqué armour is welded on to the hulls while the barrel is cleaned by another fitter. Headlights have been removed as has bow machine gun. IWM H 37820
British army assembly and repair depot, days before the invasion in Normandy. Nearest the camera is an M4A4 variant, with British added stowage box on the rear of the turret. M4A6’s are present in background with extended exhaust covers as is a lone Cromwell tank and a line of Bren Gun carriers. Workshop van races up and down the lines of Armour dropping off spare parts and mechanics who hurry to ready the vehicles for D-Day. Note the five pointed Allied Invasion Star marking has not yet been applied to a single vehicle. IWM H 38922
D-Day preparations on the south coast in late May, 1944. All of these tanks marked up with large 18” high red numbers with 1” white outlines on the turrets belong to C Squadron, 13/18 Hussars. The Sea Horse of 27th Armoured Brigade is visible on the one piece transmission cover of nearest tank, as is the chalked on numbering system indicating it would be loaded onto LST 3. ‘Charmer’, tank 68 also visible has two panels of appliqué armour added to its hull, and both sport bomb throwers mounted in front of the commanders ring on the top of the turret. They also wear weatherproof canvas covers for the main gun and mounting. Canvas muzzle covers are also fitted. Additional sections of track have been fitted to both sides of each turret. Steel T54E2 tracks are fitted and the Sherman nearest camera has a mixture of spoked and solid wheels fitted, spares are strapped to the front hull too. IWM H 38970
To The South – 27th Armoured Brigade tanks, all fitted with T51 British steel track, move from Petworth to Gosport for loading. All road signs indicate one route only, here a column of Shermans already chalked up with loading instructions on the transmission covers heads for the embarkation ports. Draw bar is mounted across the front of the hull, periscopes are fitted in the front hatch doors, spare wheels and return roller, and bundled kit are all tied down. The lead tank looks to rendezvous with LCT Number 4. Appliqué armour patches are clearly visible along side the hull of each tank. (1 June 1944.) IWM H 38985
Reversing an A Squadron, 1st E. Riding Yeomanry Sherman from 27th Armoured Brigade fitted with wading trunk into an LST pre D-Day. No.1 is fully laden for assault with spare wheels, solid disc and hollow spoke, draw bars, blocks of wood and a .30 MG tripod all fastened on to the front hull. (1 June 1944.) Exhaust fumes blast out from the trunk fitted to the rear of the tank. Weight, Height, Width and Length shipping data is stencilled near the driver’s position and Loading instructions listing which LST this vehicle would be loaded onto has been chalked on under the co-driver. The crew wear goggles over their berets, battledress tunic and trousers and sidearms on webbing belts. IWM H 38978
Milk for the embarking troops of M4A2 ‘Challenger’, of 13/18 Hussars. Note weatherproof mantle cover for the sea crossing, bracket for smoke dischargers on side of turret, and the good view provided of the T51 Steel track. The wading funnel for the exhaust system is just visible, and interestingly this Sherman is fitted with the very early centrally mounted return roller on each bogie. IWM H 38988
Development and Use of ‘Funnies’ in the Home Army
‘Rita’ – an experimental M4 Fascine Carrier, intended to catapult the trench filler constructed of long timbers bolted together into any trench or hole in the path of advancing armoured forces. The carrier assembly could be unbolted later and the tank returned to normal combat role, or in an emergency the turret could be rotated and the fitted structure knocked out of the way. IWM H 31830 & IWM H 31829
(4 April 1945) This example of the Sherman TWABY Assault Bridge was photographed in Italy, however this ‘funny’ was developed in the UK as a temporary bridging solution. Essentially a turret-less Chassis with folding ramps running the length of the hull. King posts held up the ramps and deployed them at measured speed via pulley. When fully outstretched the TWABY could form a bridge across a river, ditch or antitank obstacle allowing vehicles from jeep to tank weights to cross. Note the long track extenders fitted to provide more traction in muddy terrain. Photographs exist of these in use throughout the Italian campaign. IWM NA 23763
A 79th Armoured Division Special – ‘Chief’, a Sherman M4 Fascine Carrier sporting rubber mould T48 tracks. The fascine was a proven method of overcoming ditch and uneven shell damaged terrain dating back to the First War. Clearly this frontal view demonstrates how the bundled fence stakes would roll down the framework welded to the front of the hull and position the fascine directly in front of the chassis. Note the flex aerial mounting on the left of the front hull glacis plate allowing flexing as the fascine roll travelled by. The quick release mechanism is also seen. IWM NA 23770
Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicles – ‘BARV Shermans’
Both types of Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicles (BARV) designed by the British are shown in these photographs. H35624 shows the most recognisable BARV with high additional armoured superstructure. Several of this type used on D-Day have survived into preservation by private owners or are exhibited in museums including the D-Day Museum, Southsea, UK. IWM H 35624
IWM H 33078 demonstrates the much rarer BARV which featured a square dummy turret, and tall wading box vent on the rear of the hull being used on invasion exercises in the spring of 1944. The stencilling alongside the T census number reads ‘This vehicle is filled with antifreeze and must not be drained.’ A jeep fitted with large speaker travels along the beach behind the tank issuing instruction for the troops already landed.
The AMRCR demonstrating full ploughing depth as the castor rollers are lost in the soil. AMRCR stood for ‘Anti-Mine Reconnaissance Castor Rollers’ version. The rollers provided plenty of depth and disturbance to detonate many variants of explosive from anti-personnel to anti-tank mine. Main gun and bow MG are also unobstructed for normal usage. IWM H 34219
Despite the paper label attached to the turret reading ‘CRAB’ this is in fact a Sherman AMRCR on test, originally an M4A4 variant.. Tests proved that as the castors made furrows through a minefield they detonated the munitions and in absorbing the blast would individually detach themselves from the frame work. In its path lay a clear passageway through any danger. This meant that the tank could continue sweeping clear paths through a minefield before being refitted with more castor rollers. H33677 gives a good detailed view of the simple rivet and girder construction of the lifting arms, and a view of another M4A4 variant distinguishing feature. Let your eyeline follow the turret splash guard between the hull and turret from left to right, and you will notice a small square plate welded onto the splash guard. This was added on M4A4 variants to protect the drainage holes along the guard and only appears on the M4A4 model. IWM H 33674 & IWM H 33677
Shermans also assisted in the design process of other funnies. Here a Churchill ARK with additional trackway added to its hull assists a Sherman M4A4 to piggy back over a sea wall obstacle and into the battle during a training exercise in preparation for Normandy. IWM H 36601
Flail drum damage demonstrated. After continued use flailing fields all day in army demonstrations. The hull and turret are coated in mud from the mine clearing activity. Barbed wire cutting discs can be seen at either end of drum. IWM H 34408
Crab type flail Sherman at a demonstration day. Note the mud splattering in H34200. The flail device is interesting as it is not of the design regularly seen on Crab II Shermans, and is more close in design to those seen on Sherman Marquis experimental types and on some Crab I’s. It is most likely an experimental version of the Crab I flail tank with wire cutting devices located at either end of the roller. Too weak to carry the roller weight self-sufficiently, the experimental roller is ‘piggy-backed’ on the rear deck of a second Sherman. 43 flailing chains were fitted and each chain weighed between 21 and 23lbs. The total weight of rotor drum was circa 13cwt. Stronger hydraulic arms were required! IWM H34198 & IWM H 34200
Less well recognised than the Jeffries Plough mine clearance attachment is this version of the Bull’s Horns Plough, being tested by 79th Armoured Division prior to D-Day. The 79th Divisional Sign can be seen on the front transmission cover along with bridge classification of 40 stencilled in white, and repainted in black on a small yellow circle to the left. The plough was inspired by British agricultural equipment that graded the soil as opposed to creating furrows but was deemed ineffective for actual combat issue and was dropped in the testing phase. The Jeffries Plough differred in that the mine locating plates were flat. IWM H 36602
Churchill inspects a Guards Armoured Tank unit before D-Day in an M3 half-track resplendent in gloss camouflage scheme, and fitted with review stand framework in the rear body. Note the Houseboat fittings on the front of each tank which facilitated the erection of a camouflage screen above the tank disguising it from air observation to appear as a straightforward three-ton lorry – the Sherman was now an accepted and well respected element of British Armoured Forces. These are M4A4 variants. IWM H 37165